The end-of-year season brings feasts, treats, and plenty of tempting scraps. If you have a cat and you’re pondering whether to share your plate, it’s smart to treat it more like a caution than a giveaway. The key: being thoughtful, not restrictive. We know many cat owners want to include their feline in the fun, but the wrong foods can turn a festive moment into a vet visit. Here’s what you need to know about feeding you cat holiday foods.
Why your cat’s holiday share needs more caution
Cats are obligate carnivores: their bodies are built for animal protein, not rich sauces, heavy carbs, or many of the ingredients in our holiday meals. Plus, during gatherings you might have more food around, more dishes going unattended, and more guests offering “just a little” bite, so the risk of something inappropriate being shared increases. Seasonings, garlic or onion in casseroles, fatty trimmings, sweet desserts, all raise red flags for cats.
Holiday foods that cats should not eat
Here are some of the common festive-foods that you should keep off your cat’s plate.
1. Seasoned turkey/chicken and fatty meats
Plain, cooked lean poultry (no skin, no seasoning) can be okay in tiny amounts, but holiday versions often include butter, gravy, skin, herbs or salt. These extras can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis over time.
➡️ Cooked bones are dangerous—they can splinter and cause internal injury.
2. Stuffing, casseroles, and dishes with onion/garlic
Many holiday sides include onions, garlic, chives or leeks, members of the allium family. These can damage a cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia.
➡️ Stuffing, green bean casserole and glazed dishes often hide these ingredients.
3. Chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol sweets
Chocolate (including cocoa powder) is toxic to cats just like dogs, though cats rarely crave sweets, the risk still exists. Grapes and raisins have been tied to kidney issues in cats and dogs. Xylitol-based sugar-free treats are a hazard, even small amounts can trigger serious issues.
4. High-fat foods, rich sauces and desserts
Holiday foods often include rich gravies, buttery sweet-potato casseroles, sugary pies. These increase calorie load and can upset sensitive cat stomachs (and contribute to obesity).
➡️ Spices like nutmeg or cinnamon also show up in dessert pies and can confuse a cat’s digestive system.
6. Raw dough / alcohol / uncooked foods
Holiday cocktails, rum-soaked desserts, and rising bread dough all carry risks. Alcohol depresses the nervous system and affects blood sugar levels. Raw dough continues to expand in the stomach, which can cause bloating or even rupture.
➡️ Holiday treats like eggnog, rum cakes, or foods soaked in liquor are unsafe.
Holiday foods your cat can have (in small, plain portions)
You don’t have to exclude your cat entirely from the vibe. Here are a few safe (when handled properly) options. Always introduce slowly, in small amounts, and avoid seasoning.
- Plain, cooked turkey or chicken (skin and bone removed) – Unseasoned, non-fatty white meat can be a nice treat.
- Plain cooked pumpkin or sweet potato (no marshmallows, sugar or butter added) – These add some fiber and veggie variety.
- Steamed green beans or carrots – Unseasoned veggies in small amounts can be given as a safe nibble.
- Plain apple slices (seeds/core removed) – Some cats may nibble this, though remember cats don’t typically crave sweets.
Disclaimers:
- Treats (including these “safe foods”) should make up no more than ~10% of your cat’s daily calories.
- Always ensure food is plain. No added garlic, onion, salt, butter, spices.
- Introduce anything new slowly and watch for signs of upset: vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite.
- If your cat has a known health condition (kidney disease, diabetes, sensitive stomach), run anything new by your vet.
Quick tips for a cat-friendly holiday table
- Let guests know your cat’s “menu rules” ahead of time (“No sharing turkey skin or gravy, please”) so they don’t slip treats without awareness.
- Keep food leftovers sealed or out of the cat’s reach. Many accidents happen via sneaky snacking.
- Offer your cat their normal meal on schedule, maybe with a small treat from the safe list so they feel included without over-sharing.
- Be mindful of portion sizes. A tablespoon of plain turkey might be fine; a heaping bit of table scraps is not.
- Stay extra vigilant if there are guests, changed routines or more food around than usual, these conditions raise risk.
Wrapping It Up
When it comes to feeding cats holiday foods, the goal isn’t to exclude them, it’s to include them safely. By avoiding the high-risk dishes (seasoned meats, sweets, alcohol, onion/garlic, rich sauces) and offering a few plain, safe alternatives, you’ll let your kitty join the fun without pushing boundaries that lead to trouble.
At Pet Pro Guide, our priority is helping you be the responsible pet parent who knows what your cat can handle, and what they absolutely shouldn’t. Enjoy your holiday meal, keep your cat safe, and may the season be joyful for all members of your family (including the four-legged ones). Check out our Pet Health & Wellness category for more deep dives.
